Politics

Thursday, May 15

Russia is preparing for a large-scale offensive; the US recognizes that Putin is the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine.

Russia is preparing for a large-scale offensive; the US recognizes that Putin is the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest that Russian troops are likely preparing for a larger offensive in Ukraine. Russia is moving troops to key hotspots on the battlefield, rather than demonstrating...

EU ambassadors have approved a new sanctions package targeting Russia.

EU ambassadors have approved a new sanctions package targeting Russia. In response to Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, Europeans are set to impose a tough 17th package of EU sanctions. However, it may be weaker than expected. The package has already receiv...

Wednesday, May 14

The Minerals Deal: A Critical Step in Ukraine’s Path Towards Independence

The Minerals Deal: A Critical Step in Ukraine’s Path Towards Independence In his infamous 2021 essay, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians”, published just 7 months before the full-scale invasion, President Putin insisted that the “true sovereignty of Ukraine...

Zelenskyy wants to conduct discussions solely with Putin in Istanbul, but Russia has not confirmed its delegation.

Zelenskyy wants to conduct discussions solely with Putin in Istanbul, but Russia has not confirmed its delegation. According to the President’s Office, on May 15 in Istanbul President Zelenskyy will only meet with Vladimir Putin and not anyone else from the Russian side. “Only Putin can make a decision...

Trump has thwarted the EU’s plan for sanctions against Russia, so now Ukraine’s allies are waiting for the results of the Istanbul meeting.

Trump has thwarted the EU’s plan for sanctions against Russia, so now Ukraine’s allies are waiting for the results of the Istanbul meeting. European leaders’ attempts to compel the US to impose new sanctions on Russia were thwarted by US President Donald Trump’s intervention, as he publicly called on Ukraine to “immediately” s...

The US is discussing the deployment of British, French, German, and Polish forces west of the Dnipro River in Ukraine.

The US is discussing the deployment of British, French, German, and Polish forces west of the Dnipro River in Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that the US is in talks with European countries about sending troops to Ukraine, west of the Dnipro River, as a condition for resolving the conflict ...

The EU plans to utilize a portion of the €800B designated for its rearmament to acquire weapons for Ukraine.

The EU plans to utilize a portion of the €800B designated for its rearmament to acquire weapons for Ukraine. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius indicated that part of funds designated for the ReArm Europe initiative will be allocated to providing military assistance to Ukraine. The ReArm Euro...

The EU is seeking a way to resolve Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.

The EU is seeking a way to resolve Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. The EU is exploring methods to prevent Hungary from disrupting the initiation of EU accession discussions with Ukraine, Bloomberg reports. While unanimity is necessary to commence and conclude EU acce...

Tuesday, May 13

Zelenskyy will go to Turkey for talks with Putin in person on May 15.

Zelenskyy will go to Turkey for talks with Putin in person on May 15. President Zelenskyy stated that he is ready to personally meet with Vladimir Putin in Turkey. He anticipates a ceasefire from Russia and will personally wait for Putin in Istanbul on May 15. According...

The EU’s top diplomat and Western analysts believe Putin is “playing games” regarding the peace talks.

The EU’s top diplomat and Western analysts believe Putin is “playing games” regarding the peace talks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of “playing games” related to peace negotiations and called for increased pressure on Moscow, which attacked Ukraine again on the night o...

The EU and Ukraine have established a new working group to enhance defense cooperation.

The EU and Ukraine have established a new working group to enhance defense cooperation. Deputy Secretary-General of the EU External Action Service Charles Fries stated that this initiative aims to develop practical solutions for defense-industrial collaboration. He emphasized that the EU...

The EU is considering the introduction of three sanction packages targeting Russia.

The EU is considering the introduction of three sanction packages targeting Russia. The first package, labeled the 17th, will target tankers, nations aiding Russia in bypassing restrictions, and firms in the Russian military-industrial sector. The second package focuses on combating ...

Monday, May 12

Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10; together with Trump, they have called for Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire.

Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10; together with Trump, they have called for Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire. On Saturday May 10, in preparation for a meeting of the coalition of the willing, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German C...

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to continue military support for Ukraine,

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to continue military support for Ukraine, coordinating Germany’s efforts with European partners and the US. “We are doing this in order to put an end to this war,” he said, adding that discussions on specific arms supplies w...

Western partners consider a new system of security guarantees for Ukraine.

Western partners consider a new system of security guarantees for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron outlined two main methods for deterring Russia following the commencement of a ceasefire in Ukraine. The first echelon of defense will be the Ukrainian military itself...

The US, Europe, and Ukraine have developed a list of 22 conditions for ending the war to submit to Putin.

The US, Europe, and Ukraine have developed a list of 22 conditions for ending the war to submit to Putin. The document includes a 30-day ceasefire and takes into account the Kremlin’s demand that the US bar Ukraine’s accession to NATO. The proposals are to be submitted to Putin by the US Presi...

Russia has agreed to direct talks in Istanbul to end the war but has conditions.

Russia has agreed to direct talks in Istanbul to end the war but has conditions. On May 11, Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. According to him, the talks should take place without preconditions and will be aimed at “achiev...

Ukraine’s path to NATO and the EU: What obstacles exist and how will they be overcome?

Ukraine’s path to NATO and the EU: What obstacles exist and how will they be overcome? The decision on the irreversibility of Ukraine’s path to NATO was made by the allies; the question is when the discussion will resume, said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic I...

The European Union allocates €1.9B for Ukrainian military support.

The European Union allocates €1.9B for Ukrainian military support. During their visit to Lviv, top European diplomats promised to provide Ukraine with additional military support totaling nearly €1.9B, with €1B being allocated to purchase weapons directly from Ukrain...

The West is preparing sanctions for a new blow against the Russian economy.

The West is preparing sanctions for a new blow against the Russian economy. Finland has proposed imposing duties on all imports from Russia to the EU, which will operate simultaneously with existing sanctions. This step will not require unanimity from all member states. The p...

Friday, May 9

The US and Russia discuss options for restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe.

The US and Russia discuss options for restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe. According to Reuters, restoring Russia’s role in the European gas market is viewed as a potential component of a peace deal with Putin, and US involvement in this process could alleviate politic...

The EC plans to open all clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.

The EC plans to open all clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. The European Commission is optimistic about the future of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and hopes to open all six negotiation clusters this year, said Gert Jan Koopman, Head of the ...

Thursday, May 8

Russia and Ukraine exchanged airstrikes against each other ahead of the anniversary of victory day in World War II.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged airstrikes against each other ahead of the anniversary of victory day in World War II. On May 7, Russia launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones targeting Kyiv and other regional centers overnight, President Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. As a result of the attack, two people were ...

Kellogg has stated that Ukraine has agreed to freeze the war.

Kellogg has stated that Ukraine has agreed to freeze the war. The US President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has proposed the establishment of a demilitarized zone under joint Ukrainian-Russian control. He believes that a ceasefire “in ...

Despite official statements, the EU’s complete elimination of Russian gas is problematic.

Despite official statements, the EU’s complete elimination of Russian gas is problematic. In the absence of sanctions, it will be difficult for European buyers to terminate gas contracts under force majeure conditions. While a possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine may ease sa...

The EC has proposed its 17th package of Russian sanctions: Where will the blow land?

The EC has proposed its 17th package of Russian sanctions: Where will the blow land? The European Commission has finalized the preparation of the 17th package of sanctions targeting Russia, proposing restrictions on more than 150 vessels associated with the Russian shadow fleet that i...

Wednesday, May 7

Trump plans to use oil prices and the Ukrainian mineral deal to pressure Putin into accepting peace.

Trump plans to use oil prices and the Ukrainian mineral deal to pressure Putin into accepting peace. US President Donald Trump stated that falling oil prices are increasing pressure on Russia and raising the likelihood of a peace deal being reached that will end the war in Ukraine. “Now that oi...

A blow to the Russian energy sector: The EU has presented a plan for a complete phaseout of Russian energy carriers.

A blow to the Russian energy sector: The EU has presented a plan for a complete phaseout of Russian energy carriers. The European Commission published a plan for EU countries to entirely eliminate Russian energy carriers, through which negotiations on new contracts with suppliers of Russian gas (pipeline and LNG) wi...

Tuesday, May 6

Trump is considering the introduction of new sanctions against Russia.

Trump is considering the introduction of new sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump said that he does not rule out the possibility of signing a bill proposed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which aims to strengthen sanctions against Russia. “It w...

Security guarantees for Ukraine: Allies discuss US participation in repelling attacks under NATO Article 5 within coalition forces.

Security guarantees for Ukraine: Allies discuss US participation in repelling attacks under NATO Article 5 within coalition forces. One option for security guarantees being discussed is a format similar to Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which states that in the event of an attack on one country, other members of the Alliance must ...

Germany has signed a coalition agreement: What does this mean for Ukraine?

Germany has signed a coalition agreement: What does this mean for Ukraine? The leaders of Germany’s Social Democratic Party have signed a coalition agreement with the conservative blocs Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union. This has opened the way for the app...

Under Merz’s government, Germany could become Ukraine’s primary partner.

Under Merz’s government, Germany could become Ukraine’s primary partner. Former ambassador to Germany and future representative of Ukraine to the UN Andriy Melnyk believes that under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany could become Ukraine’s main partner. “This ...

Experts doubt the effectiveness of EU sanctions: Imports of Russian metal products have increased significantly.

Experts doubt the effectiveness of EU sanctions: Imports of Russian metal products have increased significantly. Despite the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and EU sanctions, Russian manufacturers continue to receive substantial income from exports of metal products and minerals to the EU, particularl...

The EU has a proposal to double military aid to Ukraine if Trump fails to persuade Putin to conclude peace.

The EU has a proposal to double military aid to Ukraine if Trump fails to persuade Putin to conclude peace. EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius stated that the US and the EU currently allocate about €40B annually for military assistance to Ukraine. He believes these funds could be used mo...

Monday, May 5

Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire starting May 7, but it must be 30 days in length.

Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire starting May 7, but it must be 30 days in length. President Zelenskyy described the initiative proposed by the Russian president for a three-day truce from May 7 to 9 as a theatrical performance intended to suggest that Russia is emerging from isolat...

The US will suspend its mediation in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia if there is no progress in order to attend to more important global matters.

The US will suspend its mediation in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia if there is no progress in order to attend to more important global matters. Currently, the US’ attention is also demanded in other regions needing diplomatic engagement, as noted by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on May 1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alon...

The mineral deal between Ukraine and the US has split Russia’s political elite into two factions regarding the continuation of the war.

The mineral deal between Ukraine and the US has split Russia’s political elite into two factions regarding the continuation of the war. The agreement on natural resource development, which was reached by the US and Ukraine after two months of intense negotiations, has generated anxiety in the Kremlin. The Russian elite fear the growin...

The EU will confiscate Russia’s frozen assets, but not for Ukraine.

The EU will confiscate Russia’s frozen assets, but not for Ukraine. Euroclear, the international clearing company, plans to withdraw and distribute approximately €3B in frozen Russian funds to compensate Western investors affected by the decisions of the Russian gover...

Friday, May 2

Ukraine and the US have signed a historic critic minerals deal.

Ukraine and the US have signed a historic critic minerals deal. Here are the key provisions of the subsoil agreement: Full ownership and control remain with Ukraine. All resources within the country’s territory and territorial waters belong to Ukraine. It is...

The US will contribute weapons, but how will the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine work?

The US will contribute weapons, but how will the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine work? The US plans to supply weapons to Ukraine in addition to direct funding, and this may also encompass new military assistance, such as air defense systems for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine will contribut...

The US considers the signing of the mineral agreement to be a crucial step in ending the war.

The US considers the signing of the mineral agreement to be a crucial step in ending the war. US President Donald Trump, commenting on the mineral agreement with Ukraine, stated that the US “will gain much more from the agreement than the $350B provided to Ukraine.” He argued that ...

Ukraine, the US, and the EU have agreed on 22 steps needed to achieve peace.

Ukraine, the US, and the EU have agreed on 22 steps needed to achieve peace. Over the next 100 days, the US will work to bridge the gap between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. During negotiations in London, delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Europe agreed on a list of 2...

Putin will have to make a choice: pursue negotiations and end the war or face the collapse of the Russian economy. The US Congress is preparing to impose a 500% tariff on Russia’s allies.

Putin will have to make a choice: pursue negotiations and end the war or face the collapse of the Russian economy. The US Congress is preparing to impose a 500% tariff on Russia’s allies. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he has the backing of 72 colleagues in the Senate for the bill, which proposes “devastating” new sanctions against Russia. He believes that sa...

The US has approved the first arms export permit to Ukraine since Trump’s inauguration.

The US has approved the first arms export permit to Ukraine since Trump’s inauguration. For the first time since Donald Trump returned to the White House, the US presidential administration has authorized arms exports to Ukraine valued at $50M or more, which includes the supply of defens...

Thursday, May 1

The US’ talks with Putin have reached a dead end, but Trump remains optimistic about Putin’s desire to end the war.

The US’ talks with Putin have reached a dead end, but Trump remains optimistic about Putin’s desire to end the war. Officials from the Trump administration, who have met with Russian diplomats at least six times over the past two months, have returned from the negotiations without an outcome, which is beginning to ...

Putin refuses to accept the US peace proposals and continues to insist on four Ukrainian regions, despite US pressure.

Putin refuses to accept the US peace proposals and continues to insist on four Ukrainian regions, despite US pressure. Russian President Putin continues to insist that four Ukrainian regions be recognized as part of the Russian Federation in exchange for an end to hostilities. In particular, Putin is asserting claims ...

Ukraine and Hungary will begin discussions to unblock the negotiation process for Ukraine’s EU accession.

Ukraine and Hungary will begin discussions to unblock the negotiation process for Ukraine’s EU accession. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna considers comments made concerning the potential for a decision on Moldova’s EU accession negotiations, made during h...

Wednesday, April 30

The Kremlin has once again rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire and will utilize the three-day May truce to its advantage.

The Kremlin has once again rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire and will utilize the three-day May truce to its advantage. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a 30-day ceasefire is “impossible without resolving all the nuances”. The Kremlin also mentioned that they had not received Ukraine...

The economic partnership agreement with the US has become more equal.

The economic partnership agreement with the US has become more equal. It will cover all resources, including oil and gas. President Zelenskyy said that, according to a report by government officials on the progress of negotiations with the US on the conclusion of an eco...

The EU may separate the accession processes for Ukraine and Moldova due to Hungary’s actions.

The EU may separate the accession processes for Ukraine and Moldova due to Hungary’s actions. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that the EU may differentiate the pathways for Moldova and Ukraine’s integration as soon as June, when decisions regarding enlargement are ...

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